December 2015 - Lake City RV Park

As a member of the Good Sam Club I pledge to give aid to others in need, respect
nature and the environment, give back to the community and those less fortunate,
treat others with dignity and respect, and to wear a smile (like Good Sam and Good
Samantha’s) and promote the pledge of the Good Sam Club to others.
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Newsletter Editor
Debra Dlugosz
Harriet Haire
Tressa Dishman
Al Richardson
Don Dishman
dondish37@att.net
904-221-1672
904-824-3846
904-641-4059
904-264-5003
904-641-4059
December 2015
Happy Birthday
December
Jim McDade - 12/3; Buddy Williamson - 12/4;
Della Richardson (Soloman) - 12/9; Lucy Poulus - 12/11;
Happy Anniversary
December
Robert & Susan Roche - 25 years - 12/1
Dan & Mary Arnold - 39 years - 12/16
"Memories of Christmas Past"
Fall Good Sam Rally - Eustis, Florida
November 18-21, 2015
shopping center south of Green Cove Springs to
caravan to Salt Springs, where they were joined by
Deb Dlugosz (she had gotten hung up in construction traffic). After a great breakfast at the Square
Meal, they were ‘on the road again’ going to Eustis.
Below: On the road again.
Our EARLY, EARLY Birds - Nate & Kate
Deaton and Frank & Linda Diegel - arrived at the
campground on Sunday. They had plenty of time to
set-up, relax, and to visit. John & Jyn Fortson
joined them on Monday. On Tuesday, some of the
Jacksonville group (Don & Tressa Dishman, Sue &
John Johnson, Al Richardson, Sheila & Bob Garbecki,
Lucy Poulus, and Steve & Carol Guittar) met up at a
Coming in separately were Judy & Bob Fishback, Bob & Sandra McKinley with their grandson,
Jayden, Joe Mehrtens & Buddy Williamson, and
Russ Langley & Robin Krawczyk.
While our sites were nice and roomy, we did see some close calls with the tight parking ... But the State staff
did an excellent job getting us in and parked. After we got all set up, made our trips over to register and pick up golf
carts, the group spent a bit of time visiting and catching up before we met at John & Sue Johnson’s for dinner. Sue
had made some delicious bar-b-que ribs and pork, her special Japanese noodles and, with help from Lucy, lumpia
(some of us call them spring rolls). Folks brought yummy sides - salads, fried and sticky white rice, and desserts - pecan brownies, ‘dirt cake dessert’ ; a special “Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday” carrot cake by Linda Diegel was
a great hit, helping 3 couples and 4 individuals to celebrate their special days. Then off to play Sambo! Some of the
men decided to try their hand at Poker while we were playing Sambo. While a good number of us were ‘bride’s
maids’ only Steve Guittar (one of our first timers!) won - both a regular game and the final cover-all.
Above: Tight turn in front of Al’s rig - good guidance by the State staff got everyone safely parked; Bob Fishback and Bob Garbecki loading up their plates with Bar-b-q ribs and
pork; John & Jyn, Bob & Sheila, Carol, Judy & Bob F., and Bob McK. waiting to eat; Left:
Don, Carol, Tressa, John, and Jyn - chatting before dinner. Below: Special Celebration carrot cake; Playing Sambo; Tressa & Linda marking cards; Big Winner! Steve Guittar with
winnings!
Below: Chicken-foot Dominos - Kate & Judy, Sheila & Lucy; After the rain at dinner time - Sandra, Joe, Kate, Lucy, John and
Sheila getting their desserts! Opening Ceremony - Joe and Nate present the Chapter banner.
Wednesday began with sausage biscuits and setting up to sell our 50/50 booth to benefit the residents at the
Lake City VA Medical Center. A number of us signed up for the indoor games - Chicken foot dominos and Hand and
Foot being our favorites. The group playing dominos were definitely having a great time. Before going over to the
Fair Grounds for the Opening Ceremonies, we gathered at John and Jyn’s for (prize winning) Chili Bean Soup and
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Chicken ______ (like they make at Olive Garden). A sudden rain shower chased some away - while there were some
‘brave souls’ who stayed and enjoyed the desserts. President-elect Joe Mehrtens and Nate Deaton presented the
colors at the ceremony, after which we enjoyed some wonderful entertainment presented by Traces of Gold.
Several hearty souls got up extra early on Thursday to unload the donuts (our service project at the Rally), set
them up and serve, while others joined Liz Abrams in a quick walk around the park before stepping in to help finish
with the donuts and clean up. Even our ‘first timers’ pitched in after they finished with the First Timers Meeting with
Joe & Debbie Weston.
Above: Donuts ready to be unloaded; Steve unloading donuts; table ready to go; Lucy setting out a good variety; Al, John, Sue
and Sheila handing out goodies while Don (in kitchen) keeps a supply coming. Below: Bob McK. and Joe take a turn at the table, while Linda and Frank man the kitchen; Jyn and John finish up our time - then helped clean up; Sue with her first place
award for Mexican Train Dominos.
In the afternoon, Tressa and Sue tried their hand at Mexican Train Dominos - Sue ended up being the big winner! In
the mean time, members again took turns manning the Chapter’s 50/50 Booth, while also selling the angels and ornaments that D had made and donated. Most of the group went over to the nearby Pizza/Italian Restaurant before
going back to play Sambo or Poker again. We didn’t have a winner this time - but had a great time anyway!
Friday was a very busy day for the Getaways - 3 of our members representing 3
different chapters at the New Comers Meeting - Deb for Getaways, John J. for
Sunset Ramblers and Tressa for North Florida Lifetime Sams. Sue & Louie and
Tressa & Maggie participated in the Doggie Costume Dog Walk (they collected
$135 for Dogs for the Deaf and Florida Dog Guides!). John & Sue J., Deb, and Joe M.
visited the Blood Mobile. Tressa entered the Craft Fair for the first time (and
was rewarded by winning both First & Second Place for Hand Quilting). Linda, Sheila
Above: Louie & Maggie
and Lucy took the Camp Boggy Creek Tour, while others enjoyed the ice cream social and being entertained by the Boom-bahs, before setting up for the Flea Market. Friday night’s dinner was ‘on
you own’ then over to the Fair Grounds for the evening program, including the annual Memorial Service (glad to see
Sharon & Pam!), followed by entertainment by Kenny Evans.
Left: Sue, Joe
M., and Deb visited
the Blood Mobile;
John stretched out
ready to donate.
OUCH! John reacts to
the needle.
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Below: Camp Boggy Creek - Theater Entrance; one of the bedrooms; the dinning room.
Above: Camp Boggy Creek - entrance to doctor’s office; Craft Fair - Tressa displaying her entries; Ice Cream Social - Judy, Kate,
Sue, Tressa & Don enjoy the ice cream social; Below: The Boom-bahs providing entertainment during the Ice Cream Social; Flea
Market - Setting up - Bob, Sue , Kate, Nate, John, Tressa & Don; Sue, Kate & Nate adding final touches; Jyn helping a shopper.
Upon our arrival back at the campground following the evening’s entertainment, we soon discovered that we had an
‘escapee’ - Louie had managed to open the door to John & Sue’s coach and was ‘on the lam’! John & Sue wish to express their appreciation to all who pitched in to help find their lost baby - a true example of folks living the Good Sam
Pledge!). Thankfully, around 3:30 a.m., the little wander returned - muddy, full of stickers and vermin, but safe.
Saturday morning, we were awakened with “Louie is home!” - a wonderful thing to hear. Then on to a busy
day – once again - 3 members/3 chapters represented at the President’s Breakfast before the State Committee meeting. Then a bit of ‘down time’ to enjoy visiting, resting, and (of course) buying more 50/50 tickets from the State and
other Chapters. The weather behaved itself long enough for some of our folks to enjoy looking at (and trying to figure out the themes) the various booths set up to represent “Memories of Christmas Past” and judging the Ugly
Sweaters. For dinner, Sandra and Bob provided Sloppy Joe's and a cake for Jayden’s 3rd birthday. For the Closing
Ceremonies, we were surprised with a visit from Santa and Mrs. Clause (lots of great door prizes in their sleigh). The
biggest surprise (at least for Tressa) was the selection of the Getaway Sams Newsletter for first place. The evening
was topped off with some more excellent entertainment - this time by Patty Waszak.
Above: Jayden’s Birthday - Birthday cake made of cupcakes; Jayden likes the toys; Santa & Mrs. Clause with sleigh full of goodies; Tressa displaying certificate and check for 1st place Newsletter.
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Below: Miscellaneous Pics! Following are a few miscellaneous pictures showing more of the fun we had at the Rally. Everyone really enjoyed the various decorations, pretty days (and the rain)!
Above: Steve & Carol’s 3-D Wreath; The Deaton’s Christmas extravaganza; Christmas decorations along the way;
A sunny day - Holey Board! Below: Robin & Russ getting exercise; LOOK - they do exist! Carol’s Leg Lamp (she got for
her birthday); Some of Eustis’ finest - enjoying the holiday activities while keeping us safe; Florida Guide Dogs; Louie the great escape artist!
Sunday morning - and the Rally is over. We hooked up, packed up, turned in golf carts, shared hugs and
wishes for safe travel and headed for home. Some of the group enjoyed breakfast again at Salt Springs, Square Meal
restaurant, while a few stayed later - waiting for the crowd to thin out. But all of us agreed - it was a great Rally, one
to be remembered! Thanks to Joe and Debbie and ALL of the State Staff!
GETAWAY SAMS 2016 - CAMPOUT SCHEDULE SIGN UP SHEET (Early Bird Dates)
HOSTS
LOCATION
Sue/John Johnson
Ft. McCoy KOA, Ft. McCoy, FL
D/Jim McDade
(352) 546-5500 or 1-800-562-9389
Feb. (2) 3-7*
Winter Rally
North Florida Fairgrounds, Tallahassee, FL
Feb. (25) 26-28**
Carol/Steve
Coastal GA RV Resort, Brunswick, GA
Deb/Bob
(912) 264-3869
March (24) 25-27
Joe/Buddy
Harriet/Larry
April (21) 22-24
Tressa/Don
Walkabout RV Park, Woodbine, GA
(912) 729-4110
May (26) 27-29 (30)
John/Jyn Fortson
Lucy co-host
June (23) 24-26
Frank/Linda Diegel
July (21) 22-24
Aug. (25) 26-28
Sept. (22) 23-25
Kate/Nate
Robin/Russell
Oct. (27) 28-30
Debbie
Nov. (15) 16-20?
Fall Rally
Southern Palms RV Resort, Eustis, FL
Dec. 30 2016
Chapter Officers
– Jan. 2, 2017***
MONTH/DATES
Jan. (21) 23-24
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* Chapter voted to conduct an additional campout later in the month. **All attendees at Samborees are asked to participate in
planning/hosting a day of activities (meals, meetings, etc.). ***Dates adjusted at a Chapter meeting in order to avoid Christmas
and overlap New Year’s.
Lunch Bunch - December 17, 2015
Olive Garden, 9465 Atlantic Boulevard
1230 p.m. - Please notify Tressa at (904) 504-1031, if you plan to attend
New Year’s Weekend
Dec. 30, 2015 – Jan. 3, 2016
Lake City RV Resort (formerly Oaks and Pines), Lake City, FL
(386) 752-0830
$30/per night including tax
Wednesday - December 30, 2015
5:30 p.m.
Following
Thursday - December 31, 2015
9 a.m.
9:30 p.m.
Friday - January 1, 2016
11 a.m.
6 p.m.
Saturday - January 2, 2016
9 a.m.
5:30 p.m.
Sunday - January 3, 2016
9:30 a.m.
12:30 p.m.
Check in beginning around noon
Dinner at the Gondolier Pizza and Italian Restaurant, 2281 West US
Highway 90, Lake City (386) 758-4220
Caravan to Stephen Foster State Folk Center to see the Festival of
Lights.
Breakfast at Shirley’s Restaurant, 746 E Duval Street, Lake City
Lunch - On your own
Dinner - On your own
New Year’s Eve Party - Please bring snacks to share. Chapter will
provide drinks and paper goods.
HAPPY NEW YEAR’S
Breakfast - On your own
New Year’s Brunch - Chapter/Officers will provide ham, mashed
potatoes & gravy, black-eyed peas, and drinks. Please bring
appropriate sides to share.
Burgers on the grill. Please bring appropriate sides.
Breakfast - Casseroles, fruit, juice and coffee.
Lunch - On your own
Dinner - Meat Loaf (provided by Linda). Please bring appropriate sides.
Devotional
Visit to VA Medical Center, Lake City
Head for home - see you at Ft. McCoy KOA Campground!
Visit to VA Medical Center, Lake City
Just a reminder that we will be going to the VA Hospital on Sunday, January 3rd for our monthly
visit. This is a perfect opportunity for some of our folks who haven’t had a chance to participate to do so.
Please let Tressa know by Saturday, December 26, if you would like to attend. (904) 504-1031 or
tressal1947@att.net.
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